They have also called for free access to the car park at any time for residents with Zone N parking permits.

Community activist and school governor, Adam Love, who recently announced he would stand in the next local elections for the Conservatives, points out that the car park, located opposite Hove Town Hall, is empty much of the time, especially on weekends.

Yet, at the same time visitors are put off coming to Hove and spending money in local businesses because of the cost and availability of parking spaces. And for residents, it often impossible to find a nearby space on the roads near their homes.

Candidate Adam Love and Cllr Andrew Wealls have launched the campaign today (13 Sept) and will be collecting residents’ signatures for a petition. Residents can add their support online here or go to www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/petitions and look for ‘Free parking at Norton Road car park’. The petition is to be presented to a meeting of Brighton & Hove City Council on 25 October. The campaign has been backed by local businesses in the centre of Hove and supported by members of the Central Hove Local Action Team.

Commenting, Adam Love said: “Norton Road should not sit empty, attracting graffiti. It should be available to help residents and our city. That way, residents not able to find a space would have somewhere to park, local businesses would benefit from more visitors and anti-social behaviour in the car park would be reduced because it wouldn’t be vacant.“

The campaign is being supported by local business people, one George street trader said: “We do support you 100% in your campaign and believe it would be a great benefit to George Street. Trade has suffered badly at weekends we believe your initiative would be a very positive move in the right direction.” Another trader added: “We are fully behind your campaign for free parking in Norton road car park. We definitely value your input and help.”

To all those celebrating, we'd like to wish you a happy Chinese New Year. Here's to a great year - yesterday

The Federation of Brighton Pavilion and Hove & Portslade Conservatives represent the Conservative Party in the Brighton Pavilion and Hove & Portslade Constituencies, which stretch from the Pier to the Portslade/Fishersgate boundary and from the sea to the South Downs.